Cariogenic Potential of Infant Formulas–An in Vitro Study

Objectives: To compare the in vitro cariogenic potential of two infant formulas (IF, for ages 6–12 months) processed with sterile distilled water with or without 1 ppm fluoride. Study design: Nine specimens in each water type were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans (SM) suspension. The specimens were then divided into one group of samples cultured immediately on Mitis salivarius (MS) agar plates (T₀) and another group of specimens cultured on MS agar plates after incubation at 37°C for 4 hours in anaerobic conditions (T₄). Six-fold dilutions of each sample were incubated for 48 hours, and colony-forming units (CFUs) of SM were numerated. The pH changes associated with bacterial fermentation of each of the suspensions were measured at T₀ and at T₄ following incubation. Results: The pH was lower at T₄ than at T₀ in both IF. The SM colonies increased significantly at T₄ compared to T₀ in both IF (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the CFUs of the mediums at T₀ and T₄ or relation between SM colonies of IF based on fluoridated and non-fluoridated distilled water. Conclusion: The cariogenic potential was not significantly different between two IF prepared with fluoridated or non-fluoridated distilled water.

Infant formula; Cariogenicity

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